While growing up,
- I read only when I had to pass an exam,
- I read when I had to save myself from an embarrassment in-class test,
- I read when I had enrolled for a completive exam,
- I read only when it was a must.
I wanted my formal education to get over so that I do not have to read anymore. I was told that my formal education was enough for the rest of my life, everything else I can learn on the job.
Moreover, reading and all were meant for the brilliant and intelligent ones, average ones like me were not expected to read 😁
For the first ten years of my career, till 2015, I had reasons (excuses) to not invest in reading.
- I was busy.
- I had other priorities.
- I will learn on the Job.
I started many times with my reading journey. But I would sleep as soon as I started reading.
Dec 2015, I lost my job. I took it as if nothing had happened and I was confident that I will get a job with ease and in a short time.
I was wrong on both dimensions. It took me five months to land my next job.
And during these five months, all my excuses went out of the window. I had enough time for all my priorities and I did not have a job to help me learn. I had ample time and this forced me to start.
I started with a short book, "Who Moved My Cheese"
- I started small.
I would go to the park and read in the morning Sun, something I love.
- I coupled it with something I enjoy, something that made me happy.
I started with Kindle, because of my love for gadgets.
- I made it fun and easy for myself.
I started with 15 minutes a day, while I would have given more time and I ensured I stayed committed.
- I chose consistency over Intensity
I finished the first one in ten days.
And began my next one, then next, then next.
From feeling sleepy as soon as I started to read,
To the present day when I do not sleep if I have not read,
210+ books may sound small for a seven-year period,
But this is;
63,000 pages over seven years,
25 pages a day,
2.5 books a month,
1200 hours over seven years.
This is the power of Beginning.
This is the power of Consistency.
This is the power of Actionability.
Have an eXtraordinary Day!
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